Traditions of America

Author: ipdesign

5 Quick Tips to Refresh Your Home Decor for Fall

The comfiest season is here! A change in seasons is a great excuse to refresh your home’s décor so pile on the throw blankets and get ready to celebrate this season in style.

Here are some quick and simple ways you can give your home a fall mini-makeover.

Cozy up with Comfy Accessories

You may start to spend more time indoors as the temperatures begin to drop. This is the perfect excuse to make your couches cozier and more welcoming by adding new throw blankets and pillows in warm, autumnal colors.

Get Inspired by Nature

Look around and get inspired by nature. Consider using twisted branches, seasonal flowers like mums, zinnias and pansies, pinecones or gourds to add woodsy touch to your home. But don’t feel locked into only using seasonal flowers; any flower that shows off the season’s color palette works.

Add a Touch of Gold

Use accents of gold to signal the coming holidays without going overboard with themed décor. From candlesticks, lamps and other hardware, gold is a great accent to carry you through the remaining holidays for this year.

Candles in the Fall

The nights are longer but that means the days are shorter. Celebrate the early transition with candles. Pick up some beautiful candleholders or lanterns to enhance the warm feeling of your home. If you love scented candles, they are perfect for filling your home with the smells of the season as well.

Play with Layers

Play with textures by layering your rugs and other materials in your home. Like how we layer our clothes, add a woven rug over wood floors to add more color, warmth and extra cushioning. You can also pair bold patterns with solid colors.

These simple tips will help you transition your home from summer to fall and the remainder of the year in style.

September 21, 2017
Rock on! Celebrating Lititz’ Role in Rock ‘n’ Roll

How could Lititz, America’s “Coolest small town,” get any cooler? By adding a new chapter to its storied rock n roll history!

Lititz recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hotel at Rock Lititz, a five-story, 139-room hotel that will cater to touring major entertainers and their production crews who are using the Rock Lititz Studio rehearsal space. The new hotel and restaurant is scheduled to open in Fall 2018.

The new Hotel at Rock Lititz is another link in the city’s storied connection to the touring entertainment industry.

Not a lot of people outside the county know about Lititz’ deep connection to rock ‘n roll. Our small town supports some of largest touring acts in the world!

Lititz is known as the epicenter of concert production technology, thanks to the pioneering work in sound amplification by Roy and Gene Clair, stage construction innovators Tait Towers (who has created the stages for industry heavyweights like Bruno Mars, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Taylor Swift and many more), and scene designers Atomic Design. Every aspect of major concert tours – sound systems, stages, set design, lights and visual effects – are centered right here in Lititz!

Traditions of America’s active adult communities are located within highly desirable (and exciting) locations across Pennsylvania. Each location offers a wealth of shopping, culture and entertainment right in your backyard. For more information on Traditions of America’s active lifestyle communities, we invite you to visit us online at TraditionsofAmerica.com.

September 14, 2017
Charting a Course at Pinnacle at Adams
On June 24th we opened our newest community – PINNACLE at Adams. PINNACLE is the 20th active adult community opening for Traditions of America. Yet, all of us at Traditions were full of jitters. This was something totally new for us.

Over the past 20 years, Traditions of America has enjoyed a remarkable record of successful communities, primarily centered around a few key features. For starters, most of our communities were large – on average 200 to 300 homes. This scale allowed us to develop resort-quality amenities, including premium Clubhouses, swimming pools – outdoor and indoor – racquet sports and walking trails. We staffed the active adult communities with a Lifestyle Concierge and the communities were vibrant, diverse and bursting with social opportunities.

While thousands of people bought homes from us, many did not. They were looking for something different. Here is what they told us:
1. They still wanted a large lot that provided beautiful surroundings and privacy; they just did not want to do the mowing
2. They were not downsizing; their ideal home would be spacious and fully customized – indoor and out
3. They wanted the flexibility of expanding their home’s footprint, including 3 car garages – attached and detached
4. They would forego community amenities for custom backyard pools, spas, expansive patio dining and fire pits, and in-home fitness rooms
5. They valued neighborhood, but preferred a smaller, more exclusive setting.
6. Most interestingly, they all aspired to live surrounded by natural beauty.
With this feedback in mind, the Traditions of America team, along with our planners, architects and designers went to work. We envisioned an entirely new product brand that would help us better serve America’s largest consumer group with wide-ranging tastes.

Of course, this was a worthless black hole project unless we found a unique piece of property. Two years later, we were presented the Adams parcel. This 90-acre site is situated in a rural setting, but not too far from the suburban convenience of Cranberry and the culture of downtown Pittsburgh. I will never forget my first walk across this land. Climbing the gradual rise to the summit, through a thick, wooded area, as wild turkeys and their chicks watched our slow progress. Cresting at a clearing atop the hill, we enjoyed the view of rolling green hills in all directions. Across the field we spied a wide trail leading down into a forest of fir trees. Following the pine needle path, we came to a tranquil pond nestled between the hills. On our long walk back, we traversed old rail trails, meadows and more wooded areas. We realized that, with careful planning, these natural areas could be preserved. The Adams parcel was an absolute gem. Adams would be the place to introduce PINNACLE by Traditions of America.

As I write this note, PINNACLE is already half sold out! Our home sites include private lots up to 1.5 acres. Our land plan has preserved 34 acres in its natural state to be enjoyed for generations to come. If you haven’t already, come take a walk in the woods someday soon.
July 10, 2017
Living Better at Summer Seat – Clubhouse Grand Opening

With Mother Nature serving up a spectacularly sunny day in Pittsburgh last Saturday, Traditions of America at Summer Seat, the North Hills’ newest 55+ community, ceremoniously cut the red ribbon on its newly completed, national award-winning Clubhouse!

Kicking off the day, Ed and Mary Ruth Savikas, the very first homeowners at Summer Seat, led the pledge of allegiance and the American flag was proudly hoisted in front of the neatly manicured and lusciously landscaped Summer Seat Clubhouse. Particularly apropos for the flag ceremony, Ed had served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.

More than 200 visitors and homeowners alike were then treated to an up-close look at the expansive 4,500 square foot Clubhouse featuring the signature Traditions of America Clubroom, Gourmet Kitchen, Cards and Activity Room, Library and Business Center, Aerobics Studio and Exercise Room and a Sports Bar and Lounge that opens to an inviting outdoor heated Pool and Barbecue area. The grills were fired up and food and drinks were flowing as visitors enjoyed a pool-side lunch.

Community tours were conducted throughout the day, allowing guests the chance to walk the newly released homesites, all of which were carefully planned to maximize the community’s natural setting and vistas.

With the setting fresh in their minds, folks were eager to walk through the six sunshine-filled Model Homes, expertly designed with a view to nature in mind. Our Designers met with guests in the Design Studio to discuss the ease of the design process and customizing – and how designing your DreamHome and Living Better is paramount at Traditions of America.

Representatives were also on hand to discuss HomeFree and HomeAssist, exceptional programs that Traditions of America offers its homebuyers who have homes to sell. Our preferred lenders provided information on unique financing programs, as well. It was a fun and informative afternoon and the Clubhouse was the perfect setting to experience the active, resort-style living in action!

In this community of 133 Single Family and Garden Homes, it is easy to see why 60 families have already decided to call Traditions of America at Summer Seat their home! Stop in the Welcome Center today to see how YOU can plan your Dream Home and start Living Better!

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

June 9, 2017
Traditions of America at Silver Spring Hosts Special Live Better Now Event

It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in May! Traditions of America at Silver Spring, a Harrisburg PA, 55+ active adult community, recently hosted a Live Better Now event that had ALL the fixings to make for an enjoyable and informative experience for our guests.

In a unique and hands-on fashion, guests were able to take an in-depth look at all facets of this exciting active lifestyle community – right from the moment they arrived. With their cars neatly parked by awaiting valets, they rolled up their sleeves and dove into the Live Better lifestyle.

The Live Better “Loop”: With a limousine bus at the ready, visitors could hop on and ride from the Clubhouse to the Welcome Center, then on to the fully decorated and award-winning Adams and Hamilton Model Homes. But, there was more to see: from there they embarked on a full community site tour, including the newly released lots.

Out in the field, there were ongoing Energy Efficiency demonstrations conducted at home currently under construction. Frank Cirrincione, Community Manager at Silver Spring, provided an up-close look for folks wanting to hear more. He covered the latest energy-saving building practices that every Traditions of America home is built with: Timberline architectural roof shingles, engineered beams, joists and trusses, strapping and anchoring that exceeds regional code requirements, corrosion-resistant poly water lines, insulation of exterior walls on the inside and out, a 90% plus energy-efficient HVAC system, Argon gas-filled double pane insulated windows with low-e glass, to name a few! Frank fielded a flurry of great questions by visitors who were eager to learn even more about these features.

Vince Salvitti was on hand to enlighten guests about the exceptional Traditions of America Buying Made Easy programs, meeting with groups and one-on-one to answer questions. Carrie Malles from Wells Fargo gave a presentation on mortgages and Susan Feltenberger from Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC offered an informative discussion about the HECM for Purchase program.

Jan Firestone, a Designer at Silver Spring, was holding court in the Design Studio talking about design trends and answering questions for those who wanted to know more about the design process and how easy it is to customize a home at Traditions of America and start living better!

It was also a great day to enjoy life’s little pleasures. There was white wine tasting in the Lincoln Model Home and red wine sampling in the Franklin Model Home. A full array of delicious food kept everyone happy – along with homemade cupcakes and make-your-own ice cream sundaes!

Food is more fun with ACTIVITIES! You name it, we had it at the five-star, award-winning Clubhouse! Cards, crafts, Tai Chi, Bocce ball, Pickleball, Golf Putters, free back massages, and so much more! To cap it off, an eager and welcoming group of Silver Spring homeowners – our beloved Ambassadors – proudly gave personal tours of the Clubhouse and shared their own experiences about the Live Better lifestyle at Silver Spring. They also enjoyed sharing information about special clubs they have started, from the hiking club to the fly-fishing club and the infamous Silver Spring “pillow case club”, a group of devoted crafters who pin, sew and iron pillow cases for the Children’s Hospital at Hershey Medical Center!

You don’t have to attend a special event to experience the Live Better lifestyle of Traditions of America at Silver Spring, call 717-766-9557 today to schedule a personal tour of this active adult community.

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

May 25, 2017
Bethlehem, Home to Saucon Valley, Earns Coveted Spot on Forbes Top 25 Places to Retire List

If you are 55+ and call Bethlehem home, you should be giving yourself a well-deserved, congratulatory pat on the back. If you are not a Bethlehem-er, or, in technical denizen jargon, a Bethlehemite, you need to become one, and fast!

Forbes Magazine recently confirmed what those who call Traditions of America at Saucon Valley home already knew, when it unveiled its notorious Top 25 Places to Retire List and the city of Bethlehem – for the first time – was chosen as one of THE BEST places to retire in the United States.

To develop their list, Forbes sifted through data on 550 communities in all 50 states (even Alaska), identifying places that provide the best retirement value—and, not surprisingly, housing costs and taxes weighed heavily in their selections. However, it was a combination of many factors that pushed Bethlehem into the upper echelon of this ranking, including its low cost of living (6% below the national average), a median home price of $152,000 (which is below the national average), good air quality, high walkability index, low crime rate, high physicians per capita ratio, and state income tax benefits (Social Security and most other pension and IRA payouts are exempt from state income tax).

Digging deeper, we learn that Forbes’ review of economic factors is broad. According to the article:

“Since most Americans now say they expect to work for pay at least part-time in retirement, we look for places with low unemployment and a solid, preferably growing economy. That’s a good thing even if you don’t want to work, since it tends to support rising home prices, which will matter should you ever sell your home. So, we take into account both unemployment rates, as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and future economic growth prospects as gauged by a Milken Institute study of 401 metro areas.”

Forbes strongly considers the tax climate for retirees when creating this list. Fortunately, Pennsylvania stands out as an exception to the norm in this category when compared to its neighbors in the Northeast. In Pennsylvania, social security income is not taxed, withdrawals from retirement accounts (401(k)s and IRAs) are not taxed, and public and private pension income is not taxed. In addition, the average total sales tax rate in Pennsylvania is among the 20 lowest in the country.

It’s hard to quantify the “intangibles” – the cultural attributes and scenic beauty of an area – but to make the Top 25 list, a city must have “something else” going for it besides the numbers. Forbes admits to a slight penchant for college towns, which usually translates into increased cultural and learning opportunities. Not surprisingly, the picturesque gem of Bethlehem, which is lucky to be home to Lehigh University and Moravian College, fit the bill in this category, too!

Across the US, Baby Boomers are fast approaching retirement age – a unique and exciting time because it provides the chance to relocate to a city or town with lower costs and one that better suits a new lifestyle—an ACTIVE lifestyle focusing on recreation, culture, education, volunteering, being closer to family, or even working part time.

Discover for yourself what makes Bethlehem special when you visit our active adult community Traditions of America at Saucon Valley.

See the full Forbes list here.

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

May 4, 2017
A Reason to Celebrate: Summer Seat’s Grand Opening

In true April Fools’ Day fashion, Pittsburgh delivered a winter-like day with temperatures in the low 40s and gray, wet skies. It was a day for winter coats, muck boots, wool hats and warm gloves.

But, that didn’t deter over 200 enthusiastic folks from coming out to Traditions of America at Summer Seat’s Model Home Grand Opening! Located in the bucolic North Hills of Pittsburgh, Traditions of America’s newest 55+ resort-style, active adult community unveiled six stunning model homes, along with its signature Welcome Center and Design Studio.

The popularity of Traditions of America at Summer Seat has been overwhelming, with Phase 1 selling out in record time. Along with the Model Home Grand Opening, Summer Seat’s newest phase of homesites was offered for the first time!

Visitors were treated to great food, music from a DJ, and over 500 cups of coffee, hot chocolate and tea, while they toured the model homes, met with homeowners, and climbed into gators and golf carts warmed up and at-the-ready for site tours. With clipboards, highlighters and maps in hand, 15 new homeowners selected their homesite and will soon call Traditions of America at Summer Seat home! Add that to the more than 40 who have already chosen to take advantage of the Live Better lifestyle of Traditions of America at Summer Seat and it is well on its way to becoming the most exciting 55+ lifestyle community in the North Hills!

By all accounts, the crowning jewel of the day was the reaction of visitors to the spectacular Model Home designs. From the deep greens and pastels of the Jefferson model to the nature-inspired warm tones of the Betsy Ross home, guests were wowed by the award-winning layouts and the array of finishes and colors so artfully displayed in the six Model Homes. In the refined, rustic look of the Washington, with its neutral colors, rich textured fabrics and dark metals, it was easy for visitors to imagine themselves Living Better!

In each Model Home, visitors also had the opportunity to talk to “Ambassadors” – current homeowners at Summer Seat, and nearby Sewickley Ridge, another popular – and recently sold out – Traditions of America community. Patty Ann McLaughlin, a New Home Counselor at Summer Seat, remarked that guests especially enjoyed meeting and talking with the Ambassadors because they have hands-on experience with Traditions of America’s building process, the one-on-one design experience and they love sharing the countless benefits and highlights of a Traditions of America 55+ active lifestyle community. The Traditions of America New Home Counselors and Designers, along with a dedicated team of management and staff, all played a role in making the day a huge success!

Visit the website to discover more of the exciting happenings and how you can Live Better at Summer Seat!

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

April 21, 2017
Scaling New Heights in Home Customization: Introducing Our New Architect

Meet Scott Botel-Barnard!

Scott recently joined Traditions of America as Chief Architect. At the helm of Traditions Architecture, he has already produced many great custom Single Family and Garden Home plans for our homeowners. With over 30 years of design experience, and a substantial body of residential work, including active adult home designs, Scott, along with his team, already have their sleeves rolled up and are hard at work helping homeowners plan their DreamHomes and realize the Traditions of America Live Better lifestyle at one of our active adult communities.

Scott received his Masters in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. During his career, he ran his own design practice, as well as working with Minno and Wasko, The Martin Organization and Goldner and Associates.

Reflecting on his job, Scott says “It’s very satisfying when someone comes to you with a list of all the things they want in a house and you’re able to put it all together for them and wind up with a house they’re going to live in. I think of it as putting together a 3D jigsaw puzzle with parts that don’t really have a shape in the early stages but that gradually come together before your eyes.” An architect’s job is an on-going work in progress. According to Scott, “You can always do more, look more closely, make things fit a little more elegantly or efficiently.”

Scott’s most revered architects are the ones who worked within a tradition and made beautiful and creative solutions for people. “If I had to name names, I would say Voysey, Hawksmoor, Lutyens and Palladio. I’m all for comfort, visually and physically, so Georgian is a style that always feels good to me,” explains Scott. His fantasy home at the moment would be to build a castle in the Scottish Highlands (with all the modern amenities, of course). In his free time, Scott and his wife, Ann, like to spend time with their kids and granddaughters, hang out with their two little dogs while binge-watching favorite TV shows, sample a few craft beers, and play the ukulele.

The latest Traditions of America home design fresh off Scott’s drafting table is The Jefferson. The Jefferson, one of two garden homes in the Traditions of America collection, has a wonderfully open floor plan. “People today want connectedness,” acknowledges Scott. “I love the way the kitchen island faces the dining area, and the way the space can be used for huge family events like Thanksgiving dinners. Having matching His and Hers walk-in closets is awesome! Also, the laundry is accessed right from the Master Suite where all the laundry IS in an active adult household. No more carrying a laundry basket around the house,” adds Scott.

Learn more about The Jefferson – Scott’s latest home design as well as Traditions of America’s other Single Family and Garden Homes when you visit our website.

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

March 27, 2017
How to Raise Your Home’s IQ

How “connected” is your home?

Home technology has become the new norm in home building today. New smart home features not only save homeowners’ time, they can also save considerable money and energy. But, do not fear; smart home technology is not just for the tech-savvy, gadget-collecting guru. If you have a smart phone, you can bring your home into the 21^st century with just a few swipes. Traditions of America is on top of the trends and offers several smart home features to homebuyers within our 55 and over communities.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is now a snap. The Caséta® Wireless system by Lutron, a package that is offered in all Traditions of America homes, is cutting-edge and the leading product on the market for lighting new homes.

The system allows you to set the right light for any activity, such as bright for reading or dim for entertaining, from anywhere in a room using a remote control. You can save your favorite lighting scenes and activate them with a single touch. Caseta® also allows you to control your lights from wherever you are – home or away – with an app on your smart phone or tablet. You can use the app to schedule lights to turn on or off at a set time every day. When the seasons change, you don’t have to worry about changing the schedules. They’ll automatically adjust throughout the year! And, with Caséta®, your home will look lived in even when you are away on vacation.

It doesn’t stop there. The Caséta® system is expandable for enhanced ambience and even greater convenience. With an upgraded package, you can close window shades with one touch by choosing Lutron automated, battery-powered shades for your windows. Raise and lower shades without getting out of bed! Away on vacation? Raise and lower your shades from wherever you are!

Smart Thermostats

Your home keeps you safe, warm and comfortable.

But, what if it could do more?

What if it really got to “know” you? And what you liked? Imagine if it could help you.

Incredibly, Nest Learning Thermostats® do just that. A Nest thermostat actually learns the temperature you like when you’re home and then turns itself down when you’re away. You can also adjust the thermostat from anywhere – home or away – with the Nest app. Nest Learning Thermostats® are offered at all of the Traditions of America communities to help you achieve the Live Better lifestyle.

Knowledge is power. Learn about your energy usage. Check your energy history on your phone to see how much energy you use and why. Nest® learns how your home warms up and even keeps an eye on the weather to get you the temperature you want when you want it. The Nest® is so smart it even awards you a “leaf” when you choose a temperature that saves you energy, based on the conditions that are unique to your home.

Like the Lutron Caséta® system, the Nest® system is also expandable. When you add more Nest products to your home, they automatically work together, raising your home’s IQ to levels not even dreamed of a decade ago. Expandable upgrades, such as Nest Protect®, include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that think, speak and alert you in the home and on your phone when there is a problem, even pinpointing where the problem is.

Smart Safety

Security and convenience is now at your fingertip – literally – with Kwikset’s Kevo System® innovative key technology. With a Kevo® bluetooth enabled deadbolt, your smartphone becomes your key. Simply keep your phone in your pocket or purse and just touch the lock on your door to open.

Simple!

And, no matter where you are, you can remotely provide temporary access to those who need it! Another amazing convenience feature is the ability to send eKeys via your smartphone to friends and family so they can use their smartphone as a key, too. No smart phone? No problem. You can still enjoy the same “touch to open” feature with the convenience of Kevo’s key fob.

Talk to a New Home Counselor today to learn more about these exciting new technology features available in a Traditions of America home near you.

by Betsy McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing

For More:

Lutron Caséta® Wireless “Welcome to your Caseta Wireless smart home” brochure

Nest Learning Thermostats® “Welcome to the thoughtful home” brochure

Kwikset® “Welcome to your new home” brochure

February 14, 2017
Discover Traditions of America at Lititz

The homeowners at Traditions of America at Lititz get to enjoy the Coolest Small Town in America, as ranked by Budget Travel Magazine, right in their backyards! Downtown Lititz has been compared to Brooklyn because of its wealth of vintage shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Downtown Lititz

Downtown Lititz has so much to offer both the local resident and out-of-town visitors. After the economic collapse, many new artists began selling their work at more affordable prices. Now, with the art-market recovered, art dealers continue to travel to the little town to see new pieces. Gallery Row is a four-block stretch that has more than 40 independent art merchants.

If the art doesn’t convince you the food might! Many up and coming young chefs have made a move to the city. Popular restaurants like Citronnelle, a BYOB French bistro, and Horse Inn, a renovated horse stable transformed into a gastropub that serves craft cocktails and locally sourced cuisine have taken residence in Lititz.

Traditions of America at Lititz

Our Traditions of America at Lititz community is perfect for the 55+ homeowner ready for a carefree lifestyle. No longer is raking the leaves, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow a concern. We take care of all of that for you. Our national award-winning Clubhouse features a Fitness Center, Heated Outdoor Pool, Sports Bar and Lounge, Business Center, Billiards Room, and more. A full time Lifestyle Director helps to plan and organize activities for homeowners to enjoy.

Choose from one of our eight award winning home model and completely customize your home in our professional design studio! Our professional designers ensure that your vision comes to fruition. Hand select everything from the kitchen cabinetry to the laundry room floor to ensure that your new home has everything you desire.

Learn more about Traditions of America at Lititz and meet with a New Home Counselor today!

By Powell Davis, Marketing Coordinator

December 16, 2016